Proclamation 6636—Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Formulate, Implement, or Benefit From Policies That Are Impeding the Transition to Democracy in Nigeria

In light of the political crisis in Nigeria, I have determined that it is in the interests of the United States to restrict the entrance into the United States as immigrants and nonimmigrants of certain Nigerian nationals who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies that impede Nigeria's transition to democracy, and the immediate families of such persons.

Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, by the power vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, hereby find that the unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of persons described in section 1 of this proclamation would, except as provided for in section 2 or 3 of this proclamation, be detrimental to the interests of the United States. I hereby proclaim that:

Section 1. The entry into the United States as immigrants and nonimmigrants of persons who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies that impede Nigeria's transition to democracy, and the immediate family members of such persons, is hereby suspended.

Sec. 2. Section 1 shall not apply with respect to any person otherwise covered by section 1 where entry of such persons would not be contrary to the interests of the United States.

Sec. 3. Persons covered by sections 1 and 2 shall be identified pursuant to procedures established by the Secretary of State, as authorized in section 5 below.

Sec. 4. Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to derogate from United States Government obligations under applicable international agreements.

Sec. 5. The Secretary of State shall have responsibility to implement this proclamation pursuant to procedures the Secretary may establish.

Sec. 6. This proclamation is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as the Secretary of State determines that it is no longer necessary and should be terminated.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON